| QB Michael Rocco, RB Kevin Parks and the Virginia offense will have to keep up with Louisiana Tech. (US Presswire) |
Louisiana Tech (3-0, 0-0 WAC) at Virginia (2-2, 0-1 ACC)
Kickoff: Saturday, 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN3)
Spread: Louisiana Tech by 2.5
Watchability: Louisiana Tech can put up points. The Bulldogs are averaging 54.7 points per game but are also allowing 498 yards per game. There could be an offensive shootout in Charlottesville on Saturday.
Shining Stars: Virginia: RB Kevin Parks ran for 84 yards on 12 carries against TCU on Saturday. Parks leads Virginia, averaging 53 rushing yards per game. CB Demetrious Nicholson has a team-high six pass breakups. As the secondary’s lone returning starter, he has played well. Louisiana Tech: QB Colby Cameron has thrown for 913 yards and completing 69.4 percent of his passes this season. He has 11 touchdown passes and no interceptions. WR Quinton Patton is Cameron’s favorite target. He averages 106.3 yards per game with four touchdowns.
Who could steal the show: Virginia: TE Jake McGee has been a pleasant surprise. He has 11 catches for 161 yards and is tied for the team lead with two receiving touchdowns. Louisiana Tech: RB Kenneth Dixon will fill in for Tevin King, who was lost for the season with a torn ACL. Dixon (6-foot, 215 pounds) is averaging 81.3 rushing yards per game and has four touchdowns.
You going? Ranking the road trip: Virginia has lost two games in a row by at least 20 points. The fan turnout might not be the best, but the Cavaliers are wearing throwback uniforms from 1968.
Magic number for Virginia: 7. Seven of the eight players listed on Virginia’s depth chart in the defensive secondary are either freshmen or sophomores. The young secondary will be tested against Louisiana Tech’s passing attack.
Magic number for Louisiana Tech: 3. This will be Louisiana Tech’s third road game in its first four games. After winning 56-49 at Houston on Sept. 8 and beating Illinois 52-24 on the road Saturday, the Bulldogs won’t be intimidated in Charlottesville.
The game comes down to: Whether Virginia’s offense can keep up. Louisiana Tech will score its points, and the Cavaliers will have to do the same. Virginia is averaging 21.8 points per game, but that won’t cut it Saturday.
Prediction: Louisiana Tech 41, Virginia 34
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from ACC bloggers Shawn Krest and Sean Bielawski, follow @CBSSportsACC.